Roland Systems Group, developers of the REAC (Roland Ethernet Audio Communication) protocol – a transport technology for low latency, high quality digital audio via Cat5e – today announced the new RSS S-4000M REAC Merge Unit at the International Broadcast Equipment Exhibition (Inter BEE).
The S-4000M REAC Merge Unit allows up to four Digital Snake heads to be merged into a REAC stream where the master device recognizes it as single REAC slave unit. This important technology enables distribution of multiple input/output units around a location, venue or stage for flexible point-to-point digital snake or V-Mixing System configurations.
Connect any combination of the RSS Digital Snake heads such as the S- 4000S, S-1608, S-0816 or S-0808 and merge all the input/output to a single REAC signal. The four ports on the front panel also supply REAC embedded power to compatible devices such as the newly announced S-0808 8×8 I/O Unit.
The intelligent Auto Map function assigns input channels automatically. If the number of inputs connected is greater than the 40 channels allowed by a single REAC stream, choose which inputs go to which channels using the free remote control software (S-4000RCS) or directly using a M-400/M- 380 V-Mixer when using as part of a V-Mixing System.
The S-4000M also serves as a distributor of outputs and/or splitter. Any inputs returning from the master (Port A) are distributed to the outputs depending on the devices connected. When S-0808 units are connected, specific output assignments can also be mapped.
“We are happy to be able to announce merging capability within the REAC protocol. Consultants, designers and integrators have requested the ability to distribute I/O around their installations and stages so we’re happy to be able to now meet that need”, commented John Broadhead, Vice President of Technology and Communications. “The S- 4000M represents an evolution that now permits flexible digital audio configurations that were just not possible before”.
About REAC
REAC (Roland Ethernet Audio Communication) is the audio transport protocol developed by Roland to meet the Pro-Audio market’s need for a point-to-point 24 bit/ 96kHz, low latency digital audio transport for live sound use and commercial applications. The REAC protocol is capable of transmitting 40 channels of 24bit / 96kHz audio over inexpensive Cat5e cable and can be easily split using standard gigabit switches making it easy and very cost effective to have lossless all-digital splits of the stage audio for FOH, monitor, broadcast and recording locations. Products using REAC technology are installed today in many venues and have been used for high profile events worldwide.
For more information: www.rolandsystemsgroup.com/s4000m